'New revalidation system is ages away'

A new system of revalidation is unlikely to start until late 2007 at the earliest, one of the GMC's GP members believes.

Dr Krishna Korlipara, a GP in Bolton, said delays to the Chief Medical Officer's report on regulation of GPs meant Parliament would not be able to consider any law changes required until next year's session.

CMO Sir Liam Donaldon began his review in January last year. His report was originally due out at the turn of the year, but is now not expected until the summer.

Dr Korlipara said: 'It looks to me that it is unlikely that revalidation is likely to start even in April 2007. There is a lot for the profession to do once we know the timetable. The GMC would very much like to see the report sooner rather than later but obviously it is keen that the report should be properly considered.'